Jonshel Alexander, 22, was fatally shot on the evening of November 27, 2021, while sitting in a vehicle with a male companion in New Orleans’ 7th Ward. The shooting happened around 9 p.m. in the 1500 block of North Claiborne Avenue. Alexander was pronounced dead at the scene; the male passenger was able to drive himself to a local hospital for treatment. The Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office ruled her death a homicide from a gunshot wound.

Alexander was known for her role as Joy Strong in the 2012 film Beasts of the Southern Wild and was a mother to a young daughter. The New Orleans Police Department released surveillance footage showing a person of interest described as a male wearing a blue ski mask and reported locating a maroon pickup truck believed to be linked to the perpetrator. No arrests have been announced and the suspect’s identity remains unknown.

If anyone knew Jonshel or has information about that night or the maroon pickup truck, please come forward.